Amaryllis

 Once, when I wandered in the woods alone, 
An old man tottered up to me and said, 
“Come, friend, and see the grave that I have made 
For Amaryllis.” There was in the tone 
Of his complaint such quaver and such moan
That I took pity on him and obeyed, 
And long stood looking where his hands had laid 
An ancient woman, shrunk to skin and bone. 

Far out beyond the forest I could hear 
The calling of loud progress, and the bold
Incessant scream of commerce ringing clear; 
But though the trumpets of the world were glad, 
It made me lonely and it made me sad 
To think that Amaryllis had grown old.

Form: Italian Sonnet Comments

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